Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

Major initiatives undertaken by Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs department in 2024 to ensure transparency in ration distribution: Lal Chand Kataruchak

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The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department had yet another successful year 2024 by undertaking several novel initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency in the functioning of the department. As many as 14420 E-PoS Kits including E-PoS devices and Iris scanners as well as Electronic Weighing Scales were purchased with a view to ensure hassle free distribution of the ration.

Disclosing this, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the tenders have been allotted in order to ensure the proper maintenance of the E-PoS machines and the Electronic Weighing Scales for the period of 5 years. Now, an E-PoS kit has been provided at each of the ration depots besides making sure to install Electronic Weighing Scales at these depots.

He further said that in 2016, the margin money of the  depot holders was Rs. 50 per quintal which has been increased to Rs. 90 Per Quintal and the increase has been implemented from April 2024. As a result, Rs. 38.43 crore stands released in this regard, said the Minister adding that this step would benefit 14400 ration depot holders in the State.

Besides, the department ensured a successful Rabi season by procuring 124.57 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) wheat for the central pool and crediting a sum of Rs. 28, 340.95 Crore in the accounts of 9 lakh farmers. Similarly, during the Kharif season, the department procured 172.93 LMT of paddy and credited an amount of Rs. 40,119.76 Crore into the accounts of approximately 8 lakh farmers. Also, till September 2024, 44,20,826 Quintals of Wheat was disbursed free of cost to the beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Taking strong steps to protect the interests of consumers, the Legal Meteorology wing earned revenue of Rs. 18.64 Crore by initiating action against those violating the principle of selling the goods in correct weight and quantity. Further, the 100 percent Aadhar Saturation was achieved and as per the Aadhar Saturation report of the UIDAI Dated November 11th, 2024, the State of Punjab ranks 7th amongst the States/UTs of the entire country.

Chandigarh, Punjab, Punjab

Mahakumbh is eternal and collective proclamation of unity in the diversity of India: Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary

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Mohali, December 30

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is dedicated to making Mahakumbh 2025 a global symbol of India’s cultural unity. As part of thisendeavor and vision, CabinetMinister, Sugarcane Development and Sugar Industry, Shri Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Shri Dharmveer Prajapati with Minister of State (Independent Charge), Home Guard and Civil Defence, and Minister of State, Agriculture,Agricultural Education, Agricultural Research, Shri Baldev Singh Olakhled a grand roadshow in Mohali. They highlighted the Mahakumbh as a uniquecelebration of unity within India’s diversity and extended an invitation to theHon’ble Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and the esteemed people ofPunjab to participate in the Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025. Shri Lakshmi NarayanChaudhary emphasized that the government is taking significant steps to ensurethe event is historic, featuring international participation andstate-of-the-art facilities. Speaking to the media after the roadshow, hestated that the Mahakumbh embodies the spirit of India’s cultural and spiritualconsciousness and is a divine and vibrant representation of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshth Bharat-Samaveshi Bharat (One India, Great India, Inclusive India)

.’Duringthe press conference, the Cabinet Minister reminded, “Many of you may havewitnessed the ‘divine and grand’ experience of the Prayagraj Kumbh in 2019,which became an indelible symbol of India’s cultural pride on the global stage.The world widely acknowledged the efficient management of the event.” Hefurther emphasized that this year’s Mahakumbh will surpass the previous one inboth grandeur and divine essence. Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025 is expected towelcome over 450 million pilgrims, saints, ascetics, and tourists. Inpreparation, the Uttar Pradesh government has made meticulous and timelyarrangements. Duringhis address to the press, the Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary stated,”Under the inspiration and guidance of Honorable Prime Minister ShriNarendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, theMahakumbh will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, onthe sacred banks of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, theMahakumbh will once again be held on the holy land of Prayag after a gap of 12years.” Swachh,Swasth, Surakshit and Harit MahakumbhAddressing the media regarding thepreparations for the Mahakumbh, the Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi NarayanChaudhary informed, “It would be a clean, healthy, safe and digital  Mahakumbh. A pledge has been taken to makethe event environment friendly by declaring it a single-use plastic-freeMahakumbh. As part of this initiative, various shops of dona-pattal vendorswill be allocated within the Mela area, and meetings have been conducted withprincipals of 400 schools to discuss cleanliness and the initiative of a cleanMaha Kumbh is being communicated to 4 lakh children and 5 times the populationof Prayagraj.

Furthermore, under the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign, the message ofa single-use plastic-free environment is being delivered to every household.”Hehighlighted that special emphasis has been placed on making Mahakumbh Mela 2025both clean and green. Approximately three lakh plants have been cultivatedacross Prayagraj, with the Uttar Pradesh government pledging to ensure theircare and maintenance even after the conclusion of the Mela. Comprehensivehealthcare services for pilgrims, sadhus, saints, and touristsThe Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi NarayanChaudhary informed that the preparations for the Mahakumbh Mela are being madewith a focus on health and hygiene. This includes making healthcarearrangements for pilgrims, sadhus, saints, those observing Kalpwas at Mahakumbhand tourists. A large number of specialist doctors have been deployed. A100-bed hospital has been set up at the Parade Ground. Two more hospitals with20 beds each and smaller hospitals with 8 beds have also been prepared. Two10-bed ICUs have been set up by the Army Hospital at the Mela area and Arail.These hospitals will have doctors on duty 24 hours a day. In total, there willbe 291 MBBS doctors and specialists, 90 Ayurvedic and Unani specialists, and182 nursing staff. Moreover, separate wards for male, female and children havebeen set up in these hospitals. Delivery rooms, emergency wards and doctors’rooms will also be available. Devotees will also experience thedigital Mahakumbh – Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary Addressing the press, the Cabinet MinisterShri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary stated that the Uttar Pradesh government iscommitted to organizing a divine, grand, and digital Maha Kumbh.

Thepreparations include the launch of a dedicated website and app, an AI-poweredchatbot in 11 languages, QR-based passes for people and vehicles, amultilingual digital lost-and-found center, ICT monitoring for cleanliness andtents, software for land and facility allocation, multilingual digital signage(VMD), an automated ration supply system, drone-based surveillance and disastermanagement, live software for monitoring 530 projects, an inventory trackingsystem, and integration of all locations on Google Maps.
Smart parking facilities will beprovided for the convenience of tourists – Cabinet Minister Shri LakshmiNarayan Chaudhary Cabinet Minister ShriLakshmi Narayan Chaudhary informed that arrangements have been made to ensuretourists do not face parking issues. In this regard, 101 smart parkingfacilities have been created, capable of accommodating up to five lakh vehiclesdaily. The parking area spans 1,867.04 hectares, which is 763.75 hectareslarger compared to the 1,103.29 hectares allocated for parking in 2019. Theseparking facilities will be monitored through the Integrated Control CommandCenter. Arrangementsfor clean drinking water, an Integrated Control Command Center, and flowershowers at 44 ghats, including the riverfrontDuringthe press conference, the Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary provideddetails about the arrangements for the Mahakumbh. He informed that 35 existingpermanent ghats and 9 new ghats have been constructed in the Mahakumbh city tofacilitate bathing for devotees. Aerial flower showers will be carried outacross all 44 ghats spread over a 12-kilometer area. He further mentioned thata riverfront, modeled after Mumbai’s Marine Drive, has been developed along a15.25-kilometer stretch on the banks of the Ganges, extending from the Sangamto Nagvasuki Temple, Surdas to Chhatnag, and near Curzon Bridge to Mahavir Puri.Additionally, the Integrated Control Command Center has been upgraded toenhance crowd management. Four viewing centers, equipped with 52-seater setups,have been established for real-time CCTV monitoring. Headcountof pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh will be done through technologyTheCabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary stated that approximately 450million devotees are expected to attend Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025, marking asignificant milestone. Three technical methods will be used to count everyindividual.Thefirst method is attribute-based search, where tracking will be conducted usingperson attribute search cameras. The second method involves RFID wristbands,which will be provided to pilgrims.

Through these wristbands, entry and exittimes will be tracked using RFID readers. The third method is mobile apptracking, where, with the consent of the pilgrims, their location will betracked through GPS using a mobile application. Mahakumbhis an eternal and unified proclamation of India’s unity in diversityTheMinister ofState (Independent Charge), Shri Dharmveer Prajapati statedthat the Kumbh is not merely a fair or a ritualistic dip in the holy waters butan eternal and unified proclamation of India’s unity in diversity. The Mahakumbhis a grand festival that immerses all differences, disputes, and divisions inthe sacred flow of the river, serving as a unique example of social harmony.This festival holds special significance not only for the entirety of India butalso for followers of Indian culture worldwide.TheMinister ofState, Shri Baldev Singh Olakh emphasized that underthe guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of ChiefMinister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh’s double-engine government is uniquelyshowcasing the cultural, spiritual, traditional, and mythological essence ofthe rare and highly distinguished religious event of Mahakumbh on the globalstage. The state government is extending invitations for Mahakumbh-2025, thegrand festival of Sanatan Indians, to all states across India and the entireworld. In this context, we have come to you with a humble request toparticipate in this sacred pilgrimage.Around 80 esteemed personalities activelyparticipated in the event held in Mohali, including senior journalists fromleading media houses, travel and tour operators, travel bloggers, influencers,and a few industrialists from the region

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Event on ‘Seafarers’ Rights and Employment’ Held

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Chandigarh: The Deputy Director General of Shipping, Captain Dr. Daniel Joseph, from the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has assured the protection of the rights of merchant navy seafarers. Speaking as the chief guest at an event on the topic “Seafarers’ Rights and Employment,” organized at the Tagore Theatre Auditorium in Chandigarh on Friday, Dr. Joseph stated that now seafarers from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh will find it easier to bring their concerns and rights to the government’s attention. A significant initiative under the leadership of Captain Sanjay Parashar has been launched in Chandigarh, which is expected to yield positive results in the near future. During the program, seafarers raised their issues on an open platform.

While interacting with the seafarers present at the event, Captain Dr. Daniel Joseph emphasized that protecting the rights of Indian merchant navy seafarers is a top priority for DG Shipping. He highlighted that seafarers from Punjab and neighboring states often had to depend on offices in Mumbai or Delhi to voice their concerns. This process was both lengthy and complex. Additionally, many seafarers lack sufficient information about online procedures, leading to situations where they miss out on their rightful entitlements. Dr. Joseph assured that the government is committed to addressing the concerns of seafarers seriously and providing resolutions. This new initiative will give seafarers an opportunity to present their problems effectively, thanks to the extensive efforts of Sanjay Parashar, who has been working for the welfare of maritime seafarers for over two and a half decades. Parashar has even helped rescue seafarers and save lives in critical situations. Dr. Joseph further stated that he will take all necessary measures to improve the condition of seafarers and ensure they receive proper respect.

Active Support from the Directorate General of Shipping
Captain Joseph also highlighted that the Directorate General of Shipping has taken the issues of seafarers seriously and has been coordinating with various government departments to resolve their problems. He assured that better policies and programs will be developed in the coming days to enhance the quality of work and life for seafarers. Efforts will have to be made collectively. It was stated that considering the dangers and challenges arising during sea voyages, prioritizing the safety of sailors is extremely necessary. Even today, 81 Indian sailors are imprisoned in foreign jails. It was suggested that emphasis should be placed on implementing modern technology and providing a swift justice system for sailors. Additionally, the use of the latest safety measures should be ensured so that sailors receive better protection.

Seafarers Shared Their Issues
Seafarers from various regions of North India participated in the program and shared their difficulties. They reported instances of unfair treatment. In Punjab and neighboring states, exploitation by fraudulent agents is a significant issue, particularly in rural areas where young men seeking jobs in the merchant navy are often scammed. These fraudulent companies not only exploit the dreams of the youth but also rob their families of their hard-earned money. The seafarers stressed the need for strict action against such entities and called for immediate measures to curb these practices.

They also demanded improved working conditions, enhanced safety measures while working at sea, and expanded healthcare facilities for long-term support. Additionally, they emphasized the need for more training and development opportunities to further enhance their professional skills.

Captain Sanjay Parashar’s Initiative
The event was organized under the leadership of Captain Sanjay Parashar, who has consistently worked on issues related to the rights and employment of merchant navy seafarers. Captain Parashar stated that the program provides a platform for seafarers to raise their concerns effectively. He described this initiative as a new beginning that will help bring positive changes for the benefit of seafarers. The event sent a positive message to the merchant navy seafarers that their rights will be protected, and their problems will be resolved promptly. Seafarers now hope that the efforts of Captain Dr. Daniel Joseph and Captain Sanjay Parashar will make their concerns a government priority, ensuring better working and living conditions for them.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Chief Minister digitally transfers Rs. 144.73 crore into the accounts of 3882 families under DAYALU scheme

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Chandigarh:

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directly transferred a sum of Rs. 144.73 crore into the bank accounts of 3,882 beneficiaries under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU-I). This scheme, launched with the aim of providing socio-financial security to Antyodaya families, seeks to support those facing financial hardships due to the death or permanent disability of a family member.

Sharing this information here today, an official spokesperson informed that under this initiative, since the scheme’s inception, Rs. 763.69 crore has been disbursed to 20,399 eligible families, who applied through the portal, from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The amount is being directly transferred into their Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) platform.

The spokesperson further explained that the DAYALU-I scheme provides financial assistance to families with an annual income of less than Rs. 1.80 lakh, as verified through the Family Information Data Repository (FIDR). The support is extended in the event of natural or accidental death, or permanent disability caused by an accident, for any family member. The families eligible for this scheme must have a Family ID/Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) number.

He informed that the goal of the DAYALU-I scheme is to provide timely financial assistance and ensure social security to the eligible residents of Haryana, particularly in cases of untimely death or disability.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Captain Amarinder Singh Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh

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Chandigarh: Senior BJP leader and Punjab’s former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today paid heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, who passed away yesterday.

Captain Amarinder Singh described Dr. Manmohan Singh ji as a true statesman, renowned economist, and humble human being who led by example. “His vision, wisdom, humility, and commitment to the country’s growth will always be remembered,” he said.

Recalling his interactions with Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, Captain Amarinder Singh said, “As the Chief Minister of Punjab, I had the privilege of seeking Dr. Manmohan Singh ji’s guidance on various economic issues faced by the state. His invaluable insights and advice were instrumental in shaping our economic policies and initiatives,” he recalled.

Captain Amarinder Singh further said that Dr. Manmohan Singh ji’s contributions to India’s economic growth and development are unparalleled. “He played a pivotal role in liberalizing the Indian economy and introducing policies that transformed the country into a major economic power,” he said.

Moreover, Captain Amarinder Singh noted that Dr. Manmohan Singh ji had a special place for Punjab in his heart. “He initiated and gave the go-ahead for many important projects of the state, including the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, which was established in 2006,” he recalled.

Paying his respects to the departed leader, Captain Amarinder Singh extended his heartfelt condolences to Dr. Manmohan Singh ji’s family and loved ones. “We shall all deeply miss him. May his family find strength and solace in this difficult time,” he said.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

School Leaders across Haryana and the Nation will unite for an Innovative Revolution in Education

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Chandigarh:

On December 19 and 20, 2024, a two-day School Leaders’ Summit – 2024 will be organized under the joint aegis of the Federation and NISA at Hotel Park Plaza, Chandigarh. The event’s chief guest will be the world-renowned yoga guru and spiritual guide, His Holiness Swami Baba Ramdev Ji. Swami Ji will share his insights on the necessary steps to bring about an innovative revolution in education and to ensure the success of the New Education Policy (NEP).

Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma, President of NISA, stated that during the event, all the participating schools will pledge to work together towards the successful implementation of the NEP and will make collective efforts for its effective execution.

Several distinguished speakers will share their perspectives at the summit, including Shri Shankaranand Ji, All India Organizational Secretary of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal- Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar, Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal, Mr Sridhar, Co Founder and CLO Educational Initiatives, Dr. Amit Chandra, CEO of the Centre for Civil Society; Edupreneur and author Manjula Pooja Shroff; and international motivational speaker Dr. Pawan Agarwal,  Dabba Wala

Over 500 school leaders and principals from various states, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and others, will participate in this summit. The event aims to provide a unique platform for innovation, leadership, and the effective implementation of the New Education Policy in the education sector.